The Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has made a big move, having signed a deal with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League (BBL).

He will be the first cricketer who has been capped for the India men’s cricket team to represent a BBL club. The Sydney Thunder has officially confirmed the all-rounder’s inclusion for the 15th edition of the tournament.

“Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has created history, joining Sydney Thunder for BBL|15. The Thunder Nation will welcome the biggest overseas signing since the League’s inception, with Ashwin set to become the first male player to have represented India to join a BBL club,” said Sydney Thunder.

Ravichandran Ashwin will be entering Thunder’s line-up in early January and ignite the club’s push to play in back to back BBL finals, having lost to Hobart Hurricanes in the previous season.

Te release said that 39-year old brings an unrivalled cricket resume, a hunger to win and commitment to growing the game.

His BBL deal comes after his IPL retirement who has made 221 appearances for five franchises making him the tournament’s seventh most-capped player.

He is two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings, having won in 2010, 2011 and has 187 career wickets in the tournament, ranking him fifth all-time.

He has a total of 317 wickets in 333 T20 matches. Having played 287 matches for India, Ashwin has claimed 765 international wickets. He was part of the squad that claimed 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy title.

The ICC’s cricketer and Test cricketer of the Year of 2016 and a member of the 2011-20 Men’s Test team of the decade.

Speaking on his landmark signing, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “Thunder was crystal clear about how they would use me and brave enough to back it.

My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we are fully aligned on my role.”

“I love how David Warner (the Sydney Thunder captain) plays the game, and it is always better when your leader shares your mindset. I cannot wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” said Ashwin.

The Sydney Thunder General manager Trent Copeland said, ““I am so proud that Ashwin has chosen Sydney Thunder. From the first time we spoke, Ashwin impressed everyone at the Thunder with his passion, desire to win and understanding of what makes our club special.”

“He will bring an injection of fresh energy and world-class bowling mid-tournament, while his presence as a leader and mentor will be invaluable for our young players. Perhaps most excitingly, Ashwin’s connection with the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Western Sydney will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation. We cannot wait for them to become part of our journey,” he added.

Before Ravichandran Ashwin’s arrival, Sydney Thunder kick off their BBL15 campaign in Hobart Hurricanes on December 16 at Ninja Stadium.